January 20, 2008

New Discovery: Nathan's Blog on Public Health, Human Rights and Faith

I've been a bit out of the blogging loop since my move this Fall but as you may have noticed, I'm getting back into the swing of things. I've just discovered my old friend Nathan's blog covering the very important (not to mention interesting) interdisciplinary topic of Public Health, Human Rights and Faith. I'm very excited to dive in to this blog and an area of study I am excited to explore.

Link: Public Health & Human Rights: Thoughts on Health, Rights and Faith.

Posted by Amber at 10:45 PM

January 19, 2008

New post on D'souza blog

There is a new article on Joseph D'souza's site entitled, "Racism blindness, cricket, and the Untouchables" which highlights recent events to illustrate the cruel reality of both caste and racism in India. A good quick read.

Posted by Amber at 02:55 PM

November 14, 2007

FreeRice: Addiction with a Conscience

Not sure if that's the best title for this post. But a little healthy vocab quiz addiction could mean rice for the hungry.

FreeRice.com declares:

For each word you get right, we donate 10 grains of rice through the United Nations to help end world hunger

A nice idea.

Thanks for the tip, Alex!

Posted by Amber at 04:36 PM | comments (1)

November 30, 2006

NEED magazine debuts

Take a few minutes out of your day to check out the premiere issue of NEED magazine. WorldChanging showcases the magazine on their site and interviews one of the creators as well (link).

NEED spotlights organizations addressing human need around the world and provides information for the reader on how to connect with the organizations' missions. Two organizations I'm familiar with are featured in this first issue: MercyShips and International Justice Mission (IJM).

Perusing the online edition of the magazine, I'm struck by two good practices. One, is the simplicity and concise nature of the stories. Photos tell most of the story and are accompanied by a paragraph or two—or sometimes just captions. The objective is not to overwhelm the reader, but to inform and encourage. Second, I'm impressed by the cognizance of the editors to ethical quandaries that naturally accompany photojournaling people in varying degrees of crisis. The photos from IJM blur distinguishing features of the girls and the IJM workers to protect their identities. A "Viewing Advisory" wisely accompanies a "before/after" photo of a man who had a large facial tumor removed by a MercyShips doctor (link). Best practices indeed.

Links:

Happy reading.

Posted by Amber at 01:43 PM | comments (4)

March 10, 2006

Some Good News: Secretary Norton Resigns

Now former Secretary Gale Norton has resigned. This is of some relief, although the notorious legacy of the U.S. Department of the Interior hardly encourages hope in the appointment of a steward that could actually treat the indigenous people of the U.S. not to mention the environment with any dignity, respect or justice. Nevertheless, I am glad to see her go. Among other things, her notorious behaviour and managerial decisions relating to Cobell v. Norton (the individual Indian trust management class action suit) definitely validate, if not summon, her resignation. I just hope the next appointee will not engage in managerial actions that delay proceedings, destroy evidence, or desperately attempt to continue the deny individual Indian trust holders just compensation.

Quoted from this Indian Country article: Interior Secretary Gale Norton resigns (2006-03-10):

Norton has had a slippery relationship with American Indian tribes, especially on the issues of trust reform and the reorganization of the BIA. All tribal leaders in the Great Plains opposed her plan to reorganize the BIA.

Some Alaska Natives will always remember her as the person who led the drive to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil exploration.

Norton was also at the heart of the controversial Cobell v. Norton lawsuit over Indian trust management. She was held in contempt of court for not complying with U.S. District Court Judge Royce Lamberth's orders to provide materials and research historic data for the Individual Indian Trust accounts.

Posted by Amber at 02:34 PM

January 26, 2006

Assassination Attempt Made on Chinese Human Rights Lawyer Gao Zhisheng

In [dis]honor of Google China's compliance with the Chinese government's oppressive will, here's a bit of news that I noticed on the front page of The Epoch Times (in a news stand in front of the building where I work). I found the article online; here's the link:

The Epoch Times | Assassination Attempt Made on Gao Zhisheng [Updated]

Related:
Sites Google Agreed to Censor in China

Posted by Amber at 01:16 PM

January 25, 2006

Indian Country Today: Contruction of Seattle Homeless Center to Begin in February

SEATTLE - Forty-five homeless people died on the streets of Seattle in 2005. Each death shows how nightmarish life on the streets can be.

Rhonda Starr, 39, Warm Springs, died of unknown causes in January 2005. Susan Eileen Redhorn, 51, Yakima/Blackfeet, died of an infection in May. Jesse Madera, a 55-year-old American Indian, died of unknown causes in June. Alpheus George, 38, Tlingit, fell onto Interstate 5 in September. Davina Garrison, 43, Navajo, was murdered in November.

All told, six homeless people were murdered; seven committed suicide. Others died of an overdose, heart disease or infections. One was run over by a train, another by a truck.

When Chief Seattle Club opens at its new site in January 2007, it won't be able to give American Indians and Alaska Natives a place to sleep at night because of neighborhood regulations preventing the establishment of a homeless shelter.

But the club will be better equipped to help homeless Native people get off the streets.

Link
Posted by Amber at 02:10 PM

December 07, 2005

Clippings Roundup

I've (finally) started using Bloglines to read/scan/skim updated blogs, zines, newspapers, etc. and one of the features is "Save to Clippings Folder". I've been meaning to post these as I go, but what a surprise, this task has been neglected. So here goes:

Techy stuff

Around the world

  • BBC: Women resist 'honour' marriages—Five women from the same family in Pakistan's Punjab province have refused to be "united" with their prospective husbands as ordered by tribal elders.
  • BBC: Girls Still Miss Out on Schooling—New figures show the UN has fallen well short of its target of getting as many girls educated as boys. (Maybe that's because it's a ginormous problem that needs widespread attention and coordinated strategy.)
  • BBC: US firm to fight Somali pirates— I just thought it was somewhat ironic that there seems to be a comedic renaissance of pirate culture afoot in Internet-Land and here on the BBC is a story of US firm who's managed to score a contract for fighting pirates off the coast of Somalia. Who knew?

Fun(ny)

...and a side of eye-candy (re: film/trailers/animation/photography)

Thus endeth the linking extravaganza. Until next time, adieu and farewell.

Posted by Amber at 01:20 PM

Good Idea: Community Center in Apartment Complex

Spotted this excellent notion in today's Oregonian, (Dec. 7, 2005, page B3):
(click picture to enlarge if you have a fast Internet connection or a lot of patience; if not, captioned text is typed out below)

Building Community

Hawo Ali builds a tower of Legos on Tuesday in a community room at Beaverton's Fir Crest Manor Apartments. The staff from Firm Grove Elementary School donated videos, games, toys, and books to the recently refurbished community room. The apartment complex, across the street from the school, is home to roughly 75 children under the age of 12, most of whom are recent Somali immigrants. Companies including Intel, Comcast, and Fred Meyer donated computers, Internet service and playground equipment to the project.

Olivia Bucks, The Oregonian

I have a similar idea, but on a smaller scale for the apartment complex where I tutor Ruth (not her real name), who is also an immigrant from Somalia on refugee status. The complex is only 2 buildings, so my thought is to convert one of the apartment units into a community center for the 10-20 kids who live there. But where to get the money...

Posted by Amber at 12:57 PM

November 01, 2005

Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) as a violation of Gwich�in human rights

From a press release from Cultural Survival:

The Gwich'in Steering Committee announced on October 25 the release of a new report outlining the implications of drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) as a violation of Gwich'in human rights under international law.

A Moral Choice for the United States—The Human Rights Implications for the Gwich'in of Drilling in the Artic National Wildlife Refuge was prepared by the public interest law firm Trustees for Alaska, on behalf of and under the auspices of the Episcopal Church, the Gwich'in Nation, and Professor Richard J. Wilson, Director of the International Human Rights Law Clinic at American University.

Links:
Posted by Amber at 03:37 PM

October 26, 2005

Make Poverty History? Not so much.

Quite a different perspective from the "mainstream" on the efficacy of the Make Poverty History campaign and the role of celebrities in advocating the cause of the poor. Via The Independent (UK):

Do stars really aid the cause?

Posted by Amber at 01:00 PM | comments (1)

AlertNet: Darfur is key to resolving multiple conflicts in Sudan

"You have three different crises at the moment," he said. "South Sudan, where peace was established based on the sharing of oil revenues; you have Darfur, and you have eastern Sudan, where the implications are also in relation to the neighbours and the problem between Eritrea and Ethiopia."

"Darfur ... in my opinion is the key for success or failure for Sudan as a whole," he said. "If there is success in Darfur, it will have a positive impact for coordinating a peace agreement in the south and for allowing peace to develop in the east."

The reverse, he warned, would probably produce the opposite result: "If it gets worse in Darfur, it will deteriorate, and even in the south the agreement will be weakened."

Read more at AlertNet. Link: Reuters AlertNet - SUDAN: Darfur situation deteriorating - UNHCR

You may also want to check out the Save Darfur web site. They host an excellent weekly email newsletter that highlights news and information related to the situation and suggests ways for you to take action.

Posted by Amber at 12:38 PM | comments (0)

October 17, 2005

House hears testimony on caste-based discrimination, untouchability, and the plight of the Dalits in India

Something VERY interesting happened today (October 6, 2005). The U.S. House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations heard testimony from Indian human rights leaders, including Joseph D'Souza, on the situation of the Dalits in India. They testified about the unconstitutional practice of untouchability, situations of blatant disregard of religious freedom, and caste-based discrimination.

I watched most the hearing live on the Web. The video is now posted on the Subcommittee's Web site and I'll include a link to it below as well. Also, the full written testimonies are also online and links are provided in the list below.

Hearing: India's Unfinished Agenda: Equality and Justice for 200 Million Victims of the Caste System
Other links of interest on the Dalits and religious freedom
A couple of books that were cited in oral testimonies during the hearing:
Other issues that affect Dalits in India (unbeknownst to the world's leaders in some cases)

Disclaimer: articles found via a quick Google search; I can't vouch for the other content on these web sites, but the articles I link to below I felt were fairly good primers on the topics.

It's well worth it to learn about the Dalit movement in India as well as the discriminatory practices that gravely insult the dignity of human beings all around the world. I hope you will take some time to read or to listen to at least one of the resources I listed. You may find yourself learning more about how God feels about injustice and that may draw you nearer to Him, which is a very good thing, wouldn't you agree?

Posted by Amber at 04:47 PM

September 28, 2005

Looking for something to read?

Whether you're looking for something to peruse or to ponder, here are a few suggestions for the curious and conscientious alike.

FEMA to reimburse faith groups for helping victims (via AlertNet)

  • What motivates your charity?
  • What are some good reasons for a church to apply for federal reimbursement? What are some bad ones?

Indian flood-hit state rushes medicine to homeless (via AlertNet)

  • Do you find yourself more likely or less likely to take action in response to disaster around the world after Hurricane Katrina? (This question is really geared for readers lately living in the U.S.)

Darfur's Smallest Witnesses (via PBS, The News Hour with Jim Lehrer)

  • How do these children's drawings bear witness to the gross criminal acts happening in Darfur? Do they provide hope in any way?
  • We are called by Jesus to become like little children. Can we learn anything from these children's drawings about right and wrong? Justice and injustice? The mind and heart of God?

Please feel free to post your thoughts on these questions as comments.

Posted by Amber at 03:16 PM

September 21, 2005

Just Another Kink in the Chain of Command

Warning: may contain cynicism. proceed accordingly.

As the nation continues to reel in horror at the unearthed ghosts of its political and social history, the day-to-day operations of many branches of government continue, unimpeded. Apparently, in the Department of the Interior, directed by the infamous Gale Norton, that day-to-day business includes carelessly trashing government documents related to an ongoing lawsuit in which it is named and directly implicated. (Not to say that if it had destroyed the records "with care," it would improve their ethical, or rather, unethical, position.) Consider:

In the letter dated Sept. 13, NARA attorney Jason R. Baron said that members of the agency "noticed what appeared to be federal records in one of the dumpsters" at the main achieves building on Pennsylvania Avenue on Sept. 1. Among the records destroyed were documents from the 1950s from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Baron said.

Subsequently, "more of what appear to be Indian records were discovered in a wastebasket in the stack areas at Main Archives," Baron said in the letter. "It is not known if these two incidents are related."

If this had been the first time such (literally) destructive behavior had been spotlighted, it would be shocking. As it is, this anecdote is only added to a long line of "repugnant, desparate actions we've come to expect from Interior Secretary Gale Norton and her unethical managers," says Dennis M. Gingold, lead plaintiff for the Indians who are seeking a full accounting of their government-managed individual Indian Trust accounts. (Quoted here.)

The IndianTrust press releases are always good reading, whether they contain scathing judgements from the Court or the plaintiff lawyers, like this one, in which Gingold suggests that the only way to stop the Interior from destroying evidence is to toss Norton in the clinker:

monopoly1_200w.jpg"Despite numerous court orders to preserve records related to the individual Indian Trust, the Secretary and the Interior Department continue to destroy irreplaceable trust documents three blocks from the federal courthouse where they were held in contempt for destroying trust records. Unless — and until — Norton is thrown in jail, she will continue to destroy trust documents in order to undermine this 10-year-old litigation," he said. "When a sitting cabinet level official feels that they can destroy protected trust records 60 yards from where the Constitution is displayed, we have a government that is out of control." (emphasis mine)

Too bad he didn't add, "and throw away the key." My fear is others equally lacking in integrity and sound leadership will only take her place.

Link: Indian Trust - Cobell v. Norton Press Release:
Government Caught Destroying More Indian Records in Violation of Court Orders

(Oh, that justice would roll down like a river.)

Posted by Amber at 10:40 AM

September 14, 2005

Visual communications, good causes, and mixed messages

Today's Reuter's AlertNet has an interesting article on the lamentable use of what is being termed "development pornography," in which naked children or women are photographed in a pathetic state and in turn that photograph is used by NGOs to raise money for relief and development causes.

The problem is the double standard being employed: would you want your child photographed naked and sick for the entire world to see? Would you want your mother photographed bare-breasted and dehydrated so that money could be raised for a cause being implemented possibly on the same continent? Put in these terms, the issue seems clear cut, but the issue is in fact far from being clear.

The poor of the world are forgotten and disenfranchised by definition and a shocking image seems justified to awake a complacent global population to the demise of their neighbors. But does that shocking image create and reinforce a stereotype that in effect creates and reinforces a barrier that keeps people emotionally, spiritually, and physically at a distance from their neighbors? The picture of a child with a bloated stomach and rib cage pressed against his paper-thin skin says, "I should pity you, I should give money to relieve my conscience," right? How often does it say, "I recognize you. You are my brother, my sister, my child, my mother, and my father. You are my Jesus. I will go to you in compassion, love, and respect and I will carry your burden. I will lift you up out of the pit." I don't know how often images of unnamed malnourished children assumed to be living somewhere in a continent of 54 countries really moves people to that conclusion. My guess is, not very often.

This is a relatively new debate to me, and I'm not the only one, as this article notes:

"It's got worse in the last 10 years," said Nikki van der Gaag, a freelance writer and editor. "There's a whole new generation of people working in NGOs who've never had this debate before."

Source: Reuters AlertNet—Aid workers lament rise of 'development pornography'

If you want to dig a little deeper into this issue, here is the link to the article mentioned as well as a couple links recommended at the end of the article:

Peace.

Posted by Amber at 11:27 AM

September 12, 2005

Naomi Klein on Reconstruction

One of the most critical issues to face the United States in its history as a nation has been thrusted into the spotlight by Hurricane Katrina: The Reconstruction of the South.

The U.S. has never finished the task of reconstructing the South after the Civil War (1861-1865), indeed the task has been set aside and neglected for well over a century, and now the question is once again posed by countless editorial writers, displaced residents, journalists, advocates, and citizens from many different walks of life: how will we rebuild the South?

Naomi Klein, a journalist and most notably the author of No Logo, offers up her opinion on how New Orleans in particular should be rebuilt: at the direction and oversight of the evacuees.

Link: Let the People Rebuild New Orleans (The Nation, posted September 8, 2005)

Posted by Amber at 10:31 AM

September 09, 2005

Portland Actively Awaits Evacuees: More Ways to Help

Update: Oregon on hold, again.

On The Oregonian's Help Blog today, listed are a variety of ways to help, highlights from columnist S. Renee Mitchell's column this morning. From the sound of things, local businesses have really stepped up to help provide for 500 poor and displaced arriving tomorrow from the Gulf Coast. But there's still more to be done.

Here's a few highlights of ways to help: (Check out the Help Blog on for more.)

People who want to meet evacuees at the airport may call Joyce Harris (who works at the organization where I work) at 503-816-3960. Call today, because I think they're arriving Saturday.

Planning and action for the mental health of students and teachers is a huge need:

If you have a clinical license in mental health or are a licensed medical doctor or nurse, call 503-528-5784 and immediately tell the Red Cross about your qualifications. Other volunteers can call the same number, but workers are so overwhelmed, it might take a while to get back to you.

Read more about the situation of students in teachers in affected Southern states in this PDF document from the Center for Mental Health in Schools at UCLA.

Also, here are some free downloadable resources listed in [PDF] About Planning and Action for the Mental Health Needs of Students and School Staff in the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina:

Haven't heard anything about schools building teaching capacity, although I'm sure it's on the discussion table. This goes for anyone who wants to help in a professional capacity, if the organization/school/business through which you want to assist Katrina victims doesn't already know you exist, then make sure they know who you are and what your qualifications are so that they can call upon you when you are needed. If you want to teach, make sure the district(s) have your application on file, quickest way may be to get on the sub list. If you're already a part of an organization that could potentially help, plan and prepare your organization/company/church, if you haven't already, then communicate that to local paper, the Welcoming Committee in your city, or other organizations that are already helping. By partnering with others already mobilized, your organization may be able to help alleviate some of the burden.

Cash is always welcome. Northwest Medical Teams, as well as many other organizations, accept donations on their Web site . Just make sure you know they're involved—give responsibly.

More Links:

Happy giving.

Posted by Amber at 10:01 AM

September 08, 2005

Now we're getting somewhere: Ways to Help

If you're in the Portland area, here are some ways to help incoming evacuees coming this weekend. From The Oregonian's Help Blog:

A Welcome Oregon Donations Center will serve as a central location for donations. No. 1 need: Money.

Call phone bank: 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday.
Numbers: 2-1-1 or 1-800-723-3638.

Other top needs: School supplies, kitchen utensils, small appliances, new or nearly new chairs, sofas, beds, tables, towels, bedding.

Not needed at this time: Clothing, stoves, refrigerators or large appliances, nonhousehold items, food.

Donation center: At Northwest Medical Teams' Tigard headquarters, 14150 S.W. Milton Court, Tigard. Donated items will be accepted 8 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week.

Links:

Happy helping.

Posted by Amber at 04:31 PM

500 evacuees to arrive in Portland on Saturday

This just in: Evacuees may arrive on Saturday

Federal officials notified Gov. Ted Kulongoski Thursday morning that Oregon should be prepared to receive about 500 hurricane evacuees on Saturday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has designated Oregon as a receiving state and asked that preparations for evacuees remain in place.

OregonLive.com: More from The Oregonian
Posted by Amber at 04:16 PM

Oregon Dept. of Education Lists Ways to Help Gulf Region Students and Teachers

I work for an educational organization and we just received some information about education-related relief efforts targeted for teachers and students in recent hurricane-affected Gulf Region schools.

Cash is always the preferred method because of shipping costs (always make sure you give to a credible organization), but there is also a more "tangible" way to help suggested (for Oregonians, at least) on ODE's site, in which you gather a teacher or student supply kit and drop it off at a Oregon National Guard Armory Location for them to take to the Gulf Region. All relevant links, including supply lists and Armory locations, are listed on the Oregon Department of Education's web site.

Posted by Amber at 02:27 PM | comments (1)

Portland told not to expect evacuees

...But the weather's so mild and sure it rains, but it's not 90 degrees when it does! Still, according to The Oregonian, Northwest may welcome few evacuees

Posted by Amber at 09:34 AM

September 06, 2005

Portland to take 1000

From Oregon gears up to take in 1,000 Katrina evacuees (via OregonLive):

Gov. Ted Kulongoski responded Friday evening to a request from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist in national relief efforts. When he got the call, he responded: "Yes, absolutely, we'll take 1,000, and we'll make this happen," said Holly Armstrong, a spokeswoman for Kulongoski's office.

Red Cross staff worked through the night, partnering with Portland Public Schools, the Salvation Army, Portland police and other government agencies to arrange clothing and food deliveries for the evacuees, said Mary Miller, spokeswoman for the Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter.

"This is a national disaster relief operation that's been brought to Portland," Miller said. "We are urging the public to take into consideration the well-being of these individuals who will have gone through something we can't imagine. They need to be protected. They're going to be staying in a shelter so they can have the appropriate health care and screening."

Miller asked residents not to overwhelm the Red Cross with calls offering to donate specific items or inviting evacuees to stay with them.

The best way to help right now, Miller said, is to donate to the national Disaster Relief Fund for Hurricane Katrina. "That money will be coming to Portland," she said. "And give to the Salvation Army or the Goodwill as you would typically do."

(emphasis and link mine)

Links related to this article:
Other Northwest Agencies responding to Hurricane Katrina victims:

Others? Post in comments if you wish.

Posted by Amber at 11:55 AM | comments (2)

August 19, 2005

Study suggests that U.S. reduce poverty to improve nationwide school achievement

"The data presented in this study suggest that the most powerful policy for improving our nations' [U.S.] school achievement is a reduction in family and youth poverty." —Read Our Impoverished View of Educational Reform, by David C. Berliner (August 2, 2005)

Posted by Amber at 10:34 AM

August 12, 2005

Mixed Messages

A woman meets with a welfare case worker to sign forms to receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families grant money. Several weeks ago she lost her job at a hotel doing laundry and has had several people helping her to get an appointment with her caseworker. But she walks out of the meeting bewildered and with no money to pay rent and no food stamps to get money for her and her 3-year-old daughter. How could this have happened? Was the caseworker cruel and unfeeling? Did the system fail miserably? No. The caseworker was probably as confused as the woman. The problem was pure miscommunication. The problem was the interpreter.

It wasn't the interpreter's fault that he didn't know the particular dialect of Somali that the woman speaks. But he might have known that he was missing something. He might have known that he didn't understand enough of what was being said. He might have understood enough to understand that through his faulty interpretation, an injustice was sorely felt by a desperate refugee longing to assimilate in American suburbia.

If you pray for the refugees that live in our midst, remember also to pray for their advocates, interpreters, and caseworkers. The circumstances of their lives are in many cases dictated by the choices and actions of these people.

Posted by Amber at 09:50 AM

August 08, 2005

Violence in Haiti wears on medical ministry

Judy Dohner, a Humility of Mary Sister who works as a hospital administrator at St. Damien Children's Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, sent an update to the National Catholic Reporter in July on how the violence in Haiti is affecting lives of Haitians and ministers alike. Link: Global Perspective: August 9, 2005 Violence ripples through Haitian lives.

Posted by Amber at 02:18 PM

August 05, 2005

How Niger Famine Came to This

TIMELINE: How Niger’s food crisis unfolded

Posted by Amber at 07:47 AM

August 04, 2005

Emergency Food for Niger

Mike at the One Year Bible Blog sent out a special e-mail about the famine in Niger and included a link to World Vision where you can donate money now. World Vision is a highly reputable organization and they have people in Niger right now responding. World Vision has a dedicated history and committment to children around the world and I know that money given to them will go straight to attending to the severe medical and nutritional needs of the children suffering right now.

Here's the link to give: World Vision Online Donations: Basic Needs

Posted by Amber at 11:37 AM

August 02, 2005

Lax security on Interior computers contributes to ongoing injustice toward Native Americans

WASHINGTON, July 30 — One of the longest evidentiary hearings in the recent history of U.S. District Court here has ended with strong calls for increased controls over government computers holding information on individual Indian Trust accounts.

Citing the ease with which computer consultants hacked into the computers, lawyers for Indians in a class action lawsuit over the government's acknowledged mismanagement of the accounts finished 59 days of hearings Friday afternoon with a plea to disconnect the computers from the Internet.

"It is not just a matter of computer security," said the lawyers. "It is a matter of the security of the Indian's trust accounts, the only money that many of the nation's poorest citizens have," they said.

— Cobell v. Norton 7/30/2005 Press Release: Lengthy Hearing Ends with Pleas for Controls on Interior Computers
Posted by Amber at 10:46 AM

Death of a leader strains peace process in Sudan

After reading the article I blogged yesterday, Sudan's Darfur crisis and the American Media, I googled Emily Wax on washingtonpost.com; indeed her reports have consistently made the pages of the Post. In today's Washington Post, Wax reports on the implications of the death of John Garang, a newly installed leader and key mover of a peace process that is still very young and fragile. Included in the article is good summary background information on the peace process and the situation in Darfur. Here's the link:

Sudan's Fledgling Peace Now in Peril


Posted by Amber at 09:22 AM

Eleven charities unite to make appeal for Niger

Thirteen of the UK's major aid agencies, including Action Aid, the British Red Cross, World Vision, Oxfam and Save the Children who come together in the DEC to respond to major disasters overseas, hope the public will respond to their appeal. —BBC NEWS | UK | Disaster group makes Niger appeal
Posted by Amber at 09:08 AM

August 01, 2005

Heros reporting on Darfur

In the U.S., where reports of genocide seldom reach the eyes and ears of military families, voters, and readers of People, an article about those who do prioritize Sudan is worth a read. Read about the heros reporting on Sudan.

Posted by Amber at 04:45 PM

July 21, 2005

Rights for Dalit Christians?

In my very limited education on the human rights situation in India, I have been told that Dalit Christians are severely disadvantaged because they are ineligible for some of the social affirmative action programs that are designed and targeted for Dalits. So this news today is very interesting because it seems to be a major political milestone for Dalits, especially Dalits who are Christian because:

  • it is a recognition by the judiciary of the widespread caste-based discrimination that persists despite its illegality;
  • it recognizes and recommends political action to address the inequalities and discriminatory practices affecting these people;
  • it recognizes that past political action to end caste-based discrimination has utterly failed.

I pulled a few interesting quotes from the article:

"It is also unfortunately the sad reality the converts from Hindu religion to other religions have carried their caste marks with them whether they belong to higher caste or lower caste.

"The result today is all the religious communities in India except Parsis, have an ingrained caste system prevalent in all spheres of life. We had assembled here to consider the special case of Dalit Christians who were similarly converted from Hindu religion to Christianity and carried with them the same disadvantages and disabilities and they are carrying them even today. They will disappear if at all, only when similar disabilities suffered by Dalits of other religions, namely Hindu, Sikhs and Neo Buddhist, will disappear."

"It is therefore necessary that the Christian Dalits are given the same benefits aids and advantages, facilities and opportunities as are given to Dalits of Hindus, Sikhs and Neo Buddhists on the basis of caste to which they belong before conversion and which they are carrying even today," Justice Sawant, Barrister Sona Khan and the Jury said.

Read the whole article if you have a few minutes. It's very interesting. Leah, chime in if you can with some insight on this. Link: Dalit Christians must get Scheduled Caste rights says the tribunal.

Free the Dalit.

Posted by Amber at 01:59 PM | comments (1)

July 01, 2005

Bunk Beds Needed for Famo and Isha

I had fun making this flyer (and learning Adobe's InDesign at the same time!) I'm making copies of this to distribute around church this Saturday. Clicking on the image opens up a PDF of the flyer. Please feel free to share with friends who might be able to help.

bunk_flyer_no_phone.jpg

Posted by Amber at 01:12 PM

June 30, 2005

What is probably needed...

My time with Ruth and the kids staying in her mother's apartment was meant to help me determine what some of the immediate needs might be. Here's a rough list of the needs so far.

As of today, Ruth will need has a monthly bus pass for July. She expressed this need to me last month as well and to be honest, I don't know how she managed to get one. So it seems like a very important immediate need to me, but I might be missing something and it might get taken care of by someone else. The idea I've had is to talk with Tri-Met or my employer about subsidizing the cost of a pass, in essence sponsoring an annual pass for Ruth. I think that might be a more sensible solution.

Twin bunk beds, of the non-bulky material variety. In the kids' bedroom is a 3-bed bunk bed where the boys sleep. Apparently the 2 girls' bed (beds?) broke. Since the room already has a 3-bed bunk and a kids bed (thanks to Stephanie and Traci), there is a little bit of room (and I mean a very little) left to squeeze in a twin bunk. I don't know if you guys know anyone with a twin bunk bed in their attic or garage that is ideally easy to assemble, but if you do, let me know. I'd like to have these girls off the floor.

Shoes shoes shoes. Kids grow fast. Even though I spent some time sizing the kids feet, they'll grow so fast, my mom mentioned, as any mom would know, that having a variety of sizes of shoes is the best way to go. So if you have boys and girls shoes fitting kids aged 1-10, that would be superb. I will also try and determine from my tracings what current sizes are needed; I'll post those soon as well.

That's a start. There's more, of course. But this is good for starters. I know some of you have been waiting for this list so I wanted to get it up. A huge thanks to those of you who have already donated items. You rock.

Happy compassioning.

Posted by Amber at 11:45 AM

June 29, 2005

Straight Lines Are For Sissies

Before I went to Ruth's house on Monday to deliver the bed, distribute clothes and take a general assessment of the kids' needs as far as bedding, clothes, and shoes, I pictured myself, clipboard in hand, lined paper, methodically and neatly taking down the kids' measurements. What actually occurred was quite a different story, a glimpse of which I've captured in the images you see here: scans of my notes (with helpful contributions from the kids!), to be deciphered, databased, and developed for the use of the generous and compassionate in the near future.

Note: images are not at a true-to-life scale. Also, you may click on a thumbnail to pop up a larger image.

Posted by Amber at 01:40 PM

The Big "C"

I experienced a big "C" evening on Monday. "Huh?" you say? Well, some of you are familiar with naming conventions for the word "church". Believe it or not, there's style guide for the Christian subculture. (Official website: unknown. Any takers?) It is generally accepted that lowercase "church" refers to the local church, as in physical location and attenders. So my church (little "c") is Village Baptist Church (big "C" because of proper nounage; but imagine "Village Baptist church", illustrative of my point.) When used in a non-proper noun sense, the word "Church," capitalized, refers to, literally, the Big Church, the whole, global, universal, "we are all brothers and sisters" Church. This is the Church I experienced in a small, but significant way on Monday evening.

Before I experienced The Big "C", I tried out the little one. That was tolerated by the Big "G" (sorry, I couldn't resist) for approximately 16 minutes.

I sent an e-mail to VBC's (Village Baptist church's) classfieds person at 4:31 pm on Monday. The ad I was placing requested a crib mattress. At 4:47 pm, I received e-mail notifcation of Traci's comment indicating that she had a crib mattress that she would be glad to give. (I've seen immediate answers to prayer in my time, but they never cease to amaze me.)

Earlier that day, my friend Stephanie called to cancel our dinner/hang-out time we had scheduled for that evening. (I now had the evening free.) Her sister was coming over to help her price items for her upcoming yard sale. One of the items she said I could have was a toddler bed, which was of course in want of a crib mattress. I called Stephanie back to let her know I would be around her house that evening after all to get the bed, because now I was going to have a crib mattress to go with it.

Called Mom and Dad's house and left a message: Could I borrow the Explorer to transport the bed? Answer was, of course, "yes."

Talking with Traci, she brought up my proposed method for finding out the kids' sizes. (Ruth lives in an apartment complex and in this apartment complex are several other families from Somalia and lots of kids.) She suggested that I bring some clothes with me for them to try on; that would be a better way of determing what would fit. I called Stephanie to relay the idea. I collected the 3 bags of clothes, a kids bed with a mattress, a scale, measuring tape, a clipboard with paper and pen, and the Explorer from Stephanie's, Traci's, and my parents' houses. I was off to Ruth's apartment.

As I was driving from house to house, collecting the generosity of the Big C (Stephanie, Traci, Dale, Martha) to redistribute to a tiny community in need, it started to rain. Six blocks from Stephanie's house, it downpoured. I stopped in front of her house, stopped the car, opened the door: the rain stopped. I walked up the steps to the covered porch, rang the doorbell, and the downpour resumed. When I brought the mattress out, the rain had paused once again.

At Traci's, the same thing: no rain during loading.

On the way to Ruth's, a giant full rainbow filled the sky.

And at Ruth's, the rain stopped just as I arrived.

The combination of the other big "C", the Creator working in and through the Church that evening in small but significant ways put a smile upon my face. I laughed and laughed with joy at the little things that came together that evening.

He was there before any of it came into existence and holds it all together right up to this moment.

Colossians 1:17, The Message

The thing is, I know Steph and Traci from the little "c", but they don't go there anymore. Now we are connected in more significant way, at the Creator's bidding, as part of the Big C. Combine that with the fact that my relationship with Ruth has nothing to do with a program at little "c" but has everything to do with my membership in the Big C; Monday night truly was a good night for the Church to shine. And all praise goes to the original Big "C", that is the Creator (hey, that's Jesus), for all the good and amazing things came together and were held together that night.

Go Big C.

Posted by Amber at 12:13 PM | comments (2)

About "Ruth"

I've been getting some "who's Ruth?" questions from some of you lately, partly because I've created a little confusion by not using her real name, which some of you know.

"Ruth" is an alias for the woman I'm tutoring in English. I am not using her real name in order to protect her privacy. She is part of a group of refugees from Africa and might be prone to exploitation. You never know who's reading, even though my blog has as very small audience. So I'm just trying to be a little careful.

She is "pre-literate", that is, not literate in her 1st language and so reading and writing has been an entirely new experience for her, at age 23. She was married at age 16 and is now a single mom of one daughter, age 4.

She is a refugee from Somalia, belonging to a people group known as Somali Bantu (or Bantu Somali—I've seen both), who have been enslaved by other dominant groups in Africa for generations. They have been given refugee status and were approved for relocation to the United States. (I'll have to check my documentation for the exact time period; I think around 2 years ago.) Once living in Kenya, now she lives about 7 minutes from my house on the west side of Portland, in Beaverton.

I met Ruth through a volunteer opportunity with a nonprofit community organization called IRCO, Immigration and Refugee Community Organization. I was interviewed by the volunteer coordinator, helped teach one pre-literacy class at their facility in Portland as part of training, and received a manual, a workbook of exercises, and some background articles on the Somali Bantu. I write up a report once a month to the volunteer coordinator. The whole ESL tutoring thing is brand new to me, but it's been a fun and supportive environment and I've enjoyed the challenges.

So that's "Ruth" in a nutshell. If I talk to you in person, I'll use her real name and you can be confused all over again.

Posted by Amber at 11:32 AM

June 17, 2005

Canada Agrees to Reparations for All Residential School Students

From Cultural Survival:

On May 30, the Canadian government signed an agreement with the Assembly of First Nations pledging to pay a lump sum in compensation for former students of Indian residential schools.

The Residential School Political Agreement marks an unprecedented policy shift for Canada. Previously, only former students who were victims of sexual or physical abuses were to receive monetary reparation. Indian activists complained that the earlier plan ignored the damage the schools caused through their suppression of Native languages and cultures.

Posted by Amber at 02:44 PM

April 22, 2005

Behind the scenes of an empire

Took my Borders coupon and went to get Newbigin's An Open Secret: An Introduction to the Theology of Mission (theology of mission = always an exciting topic) but they didn't have it.

"Out-of-print."

What? ;-)

With all the missional (both community- and globally-focused) churches around here with all those crazy ministers with their love of the written word, there's no pent-up demand for Newbigin's classics?!?

[Maybe it's the publication date (revised edition, 1995).] Yeah, I suppose that's what it is.

Foolishness to the Greeks is already on my shelves from college days and Brant said I could borrow The Gospel in Pluralist Society, so I wandered elsewhere and found Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, which I purchased straightaway.

Prefacing his confession, the author John Perkins (not this John Perkins) writes:

Admitting to a problem is the first step toward finding a solution. Confessing a sin is the beginning of redemption. Let this book, then, be the start of our salvation. Let it inspire us to new levels of dedication and drive us to realize our dream of balanced and honorable societies.

What adventures in personal/national confession and action will ensue after millions of people read this book, I wonder? Will its bestselleriness be usable to the One who says Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.

I wonder.

Posted by Amber at 01:20 PM

April 05, 2005

On taking justice personally

Just read a thoughtful piece on Romero and the Pope that reflects mostly on Romero and the point in Romero's life in which justice became an issue that he could no longer walk away from. Justice moved from academic issue to martyred friend—something not to be intellectually trifled with but engaged on an intense relational and personal level. The author of this article, Mary Jo Leddy, remarks in conclusion that "Until you have a friend who is a refugee, you do not factor in the human cost of war." That is my hope as I move toward building relationships with those in my community who have experienced directly the injustices of war. I know that I treat justice as an intellectual and theological issue. But I think God is moving me toward a more personal relationship with Him as a compassionate and just God. (He is so patient, huh?)

Anyhoo, you may find Romero and John Paul II: Now they see face to face an encouraging read.

Posted by Amber at 02:01 PM

March 24, 2005

March Commuter Reading: Commission on Human Rights, Somali Bantu refugees, Dalits in India

It's time for another edition of Amber's commuter reading list. This edition is inspired by the 61st session of the Commission on Human Rights, a new volunteer opportunity that I am starting soon (tutoring students from the Somali Bantu refugee community in Beaverton), and an upcoming presentation I plan to give to work colleagues about my recent trip to India in which I will talk about the situation of the Dalits in India. As I was remarking to my dear friend Leah the other day, "I am excited and hopeful about the future." There's a lot to be done.

From the 61st Session of the Commission on Human Rights, which is going on right now, here are a few reports that I plucked out from the very extensive list of Human Rights Documents (these are all PDFs):

  • Mission to Canada - Report of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people, Rodolfo Stavenhagen (Indigenous Issues, Human rights and indigenous issues)
  • Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Timor-Leste (I'm glad I printed this out because at this moment the link is missing from the list of documents of the 61st session...) Contains some interesting observations about problems training judiciary officials because of language barriers created by the establishment of Portuguese as one of the official languages of East Timor. (If they put the link back in, I'll update this post.)
  • Press Kit: 61st Session of the Commission on Human Rights. The introduction contains some interesting background and historical information about the establishment of the Comission. It inspired me to put this book on hold at Central.
  • Fact Sheet No.7/Rev.1, Complaint Procedures. Haven't started this one yet. It's on the list though.

Little rabbit trail: speaking of conflict reporting, I found a few links via this conflict profile on Nagorno-Karabakh from AlertNet:

And now, a more local focus: the Somali Bantu refugee community relocated to my neck of the suburban woods: Beaverton, Oregon.

Finally, I am planning to give a presentation to my work colleagues on my recent trip to India. Since awareness of the Dalits in India is low, if not nonexistent, in my workplace, I thought my audience would find it interesting to learn about the Dalits. To prepare, Leah has sent me several interesting articles written by Joseph D'souza and JJ at Village also gave me Joseph's book and the National Geographic issue with the article, "India's Untouchables".

Reading is good. Doing is better. But knowing how to do the right thing and knowing what exactly needs to be done is even better than that.

Happy. Happy. Joy. Joy. :-)

Posted by Amber at 02:11 PM

March 17, 2005

Statements on human rights issues in Asia

The Asian Legal Resource Centre lists the documents they submitted to the U.N. Commission on Human Rights for the current (61st) session of the Commission. They address a variety of topics including caste-based discrimination, hunger, rule of law (or severe lack thereof), and many others. Here's the link:

Asian Legal Resource Centre: Written Statements - 61st session of the Commission on Human Rights

All other written statements submitted to the U.N. from NGOs regarding human rights situations are found here.


Posted by Amber at 02:04 PM

Save Darfur: 100 Hours of Conscience begins this week

Radical Congruency - 100 Hours // Voices to End the Violence in Darfur - This Week

from tallskinnykiwi to radicalcongruency.com who refers to savedarfur.org:

Please join the Save Darfur Coalition in calling for 100 Hours of Conscience - Voices to End the Violence in Darfur. Beginning with a minute of silence on college campuses across America on March 17th, and continuing over four days, we will be encouraging and supporting events to educate people about Darfur and give them the tools to take action.

We want people to learn more about Darfur and to support one another in acting to resolve the crisis. Groups will tailor their activities to suit their specific resources and backgrounds, but all will learn about the suffering in Darfur, and all will take action for change.

For most events, we ask that individuals write to Congress. We want each member of Congress to receive at least 100 letters from constituents with the message that Americans are appalled by the horrific conditions in Darfur. We ask Congress to call on President Bush to provide the necessary leadership, and to take immediate and decisive action to stop the killing, the rape, and the destruction of villages; to ensure that humanitarian relief reaches all those in need; to hold accountable those responsible for these crimes against humanity; and to ensure the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of the displaced to their homes.

Through our web site, www.savedarfur.org, the Save Darfur Coalition will support a wide range of activities, from individual letter writing to community-wide interfaith events.

We hope that you will participate, and we stand ready with support.

Posted by Amber at 01:05 PM

March 14, 2005

Black Hills woman in Geneva fighting for human rights for indigenous peoples

AP Wire | 03/13/2005 | Black Hills woman overseas fighting for human rights

A Black Hills woman, Charmain White Face, is in Geneva lobbying for the ratification of the Draft Declaration on the Human Rights of Indigenous Peoples. According to the article, this draft instrument, if approved on April 11 would go to the UN Economic & Social Council before heading to the UN General Assembly.

Way back in the day...1997-1998 I discovered the Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Groups which compelled me to compile some research on the relationship between missionaries and anthropologists, which compelled me to write a little research paper on the missionary responsibility to human rights for my gospel and culture class at Biola. This was back when the International Justice Mission was just getting started.

Currently the UN Commission on Human Rights is in its 61st session. I've been trying to get an XML feed of the recent documents from this session on the side of this site here using the MTGetXML plugin that I use to display my del.icio.us links, but it ain't working for this feed for a reason that currently alludes me. The Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is one of the items up for discussion. That's why this woman mentioned in the article above is in Geneva.

Posted by Amber at 03:33 PM

March 11, 2005

Pray for peace in Northeast India

"After 50 years of bloody guerrilla campaigns, many civilians are tired and desperate for peace." —BBC, October 4, 2004

The BBC's October 4th, 2004 Q&A: India's violent north-east tells a story that could very well be told today as well as back in the Fall of 2004. Violence has once again erupted in Assam this week, one of several states in India located in the space between Bangladesh and Burma, sharing borders with China and Bhutan as well. Imagine the ethnic diversity in a place like that...and all the political divisions...all those boundaries and no view of the sea. Well, conflict abounds in this place. Peace is needed urgently.


A larger view of this map will popup in a little window when you click on the image. This is a Meghalaya District Map [courtesy Maps of India], which shows the town of Guwahati on the Brahmaputra River in the neighboring district of Assam. (The map of Assam that I found didn't show Guwahati, one of the locations of "separatist attacks" on Thursday. I also used this map of Meghalaya district because I know some people who are living in this district, so this place is more personally meaningful. That is, it helps me to relationally connect what is happening in the news with real people, even if they live some distance away. Making this relational connection may help me to intercede more effectively. I don't know if that is true. But I hope anyway.) The BBC Q&A on violence in NE India also has a nice map of the area as well.

Posted by Amber at 11:47 AM

March 10, 2005

Day of Prayer for Burma: March 13

I've never been to Burma. This is no surprise to those of you who know me—that my interest in global issues goes far beyond the few stamps in my passport. I'm just trying to do what I can, which right now, apparently, is get informed and get on my knees. So, I would like to do this one small thing and participate in the Day of Prayer for Burma on March 13 (Sunday). Maybe you will decide to participate as well. If so, here are some prayer requests taken from page 10 of Christians Concerned for Burma's Day of Prayer info doc that you might find helpful, as I do.

Some of the listed requests are:

  • For God's light of truth and love to penetrate every part of Burma.
  • For freedom and lasting peace for the whole of Burma.
  • For justice and the desire within all those in leadership to work for the good of everyone they represent.
  • For relief teams of all ethnic groups to be trained and sent to give help, hope and love to the oppressed. Please pray they will be effective in bringing relief to suffering people of Burma as well as building up understanding, reconciliation and unity between all the peoples of Burma.
  • For friends around the world to stand up for the people of Burma.
  • For the restoration of democracy, ethnic rights and freedom for all political prisoners.

Also, there are some great articles and resources on Burma out there just a Google search away. Here's a couple to get you started:

Happy learning. Happy praying.

Posted by Amber at 03:23 PM

March 08, 2005

Finding Faith in Tijuana

You may find this article interesting, as I did. Malcolm Beith is a general editor at Newsweek International. He describes a recent interaction he had with some nuns in TJ and their mission to provide a home for abandoned and exploited women and children. His perspective on these faith-motivated actions as an agnostic makes his story unique and interesting.

Finding Faith in Tijuana (Global Perspective March 8, 2005)

Posted by Amber at 01:11 PM

March 07, 2005

Investigating Human Rights Abuses in Haiti

Today, a digression from the great subcontinent: in the mail I received an article by Mark Weisbrot of CEPR on the deplorable conditions for people in Haiti. One of Weisbrot's sources was PDF docthis investigative report conducted by The Center for the Study of Human Rights at the University of Miami School of Law, November 11-21, 2004.

Weisbrot's article may be read on CEPR's site:
In Haiti, 'hunger in dark places' is real ... and ignored
U.S. media, rights groups silent on country's torment

Posted by Amber at 04:49 PM

March 03, 2005

Revolutions


This one's a tiny bit of a stretch, in my effort to focus on India. But here's the connection: while I was in India Nepal was all over the news because of the coup. The following extended quote is what I found interesting about this editorial, Choosing between revolutions:

There have been several attempts to provide new leadership. In the past few years, the left and liberal student unions have called for a constituent assembly, defying the more timid parties. The women and Dalit cadre and that from the indigenous nationalities have increasingly challenged the male elite caste's stranglehold over their parties. There is a progressive-minded party cadre waiting in the wings. Now is the time for them to step forward.

Given the serious breakdown of trust between the three political forces—and the very high stakes involved—international mediation may be required to achieve all this. Here India must be very careful. Because of Nepali sensitivities, there is no role at all for unilateral intervention by India. However, complete disengagement will only allow the present crisis to deepen.

Posted by Amber at 10:09 AM

March 02, 2005

D'souza: Caste Divisions Still Asserted in the Midst of Disaster

In Christian Solidarity Worldwide's "Response Magazine," Joseph D'souza writes:

The scale of this tragedy is such that one would hope that India's age old caste divisions could be laid aside in order to help all the victims. Disturbingly, this has not been the case and we have received news that active discrimination has been occurring against Dalits (the 250 million people at the bottom of India's caste system, often referred to as 'untouchables'). One paper reports, "Dalits are not allowed to drink water from tanks put up by UNICEF. Even in relief camps, [upper caste people] don't want to sit with Dalits and have food. Some of them manage to get rice but other relief items...are denied to Dalits."

Read the full editorial here: The Human Tragedy Behind the Natural Disaster, Dr. Joseph D'souza

Interestingly, Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) is a human rights organization focusing on religious freedom. I've just recently come across this organization and realized that at least person associated with CSW has written some articles for Sojourners magazine, one of which I posted back in April 2004. Inspiring and excellent work.

Posted by Amber at 11:02 AM | comments (2)

February 28, 2005

Finished reading...

...A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr.

This was one of the best books I've read. It's a sobering true story of the impact a 1986 environmental health case had on the plaintiffs' primary lawyer and secondarily the other lawyers, families, and witnesses involved in the case. I could barely put the book down until I finished it this weekend.

This morning on the train in to work, I started Midwives, by Chris Bohjalian. I should probably be reading the Final Cut Pro manual instead, as the India report video is due in a few weeks, but I'm in a law-related novel mood, as I'm considering once again whether or not to pursue law school.


Posted by Amber at 11:27 AM | comments (2)

January 07, 2005

Giving smartly to tsunami victims

There exist many legitimate concerns regarding the decision to give money to disaster relief. The disaster is so overwhelming and our bank accounts so underwhelming, it is difficult to decide how and if one can give with any sort of impact.

David Batstone, an editor for Sojourners magazine provides good advice on how to decide whom to give money for tsunami relief. How an organization is positioned to provide emergency relief, reconstruction of critical infrastructure, and contribute to sustainable development in affected disaster areas should be key to any decision to give.

Read How to give smart (and compassionate) aid to tsunami victims, by David Batstone for more insight.

Happy smart/compassionate giving.

Posted by Amber at 05:18 PM

December 30, 2004

The Crises Before the Disaster

The .The urgency of addressing the fiercesome circumstances created by injustice and poverty, toil and disaster is pressing in on the heart of the Church. To demonstrate the truth and love of Jesus to a person before she is faced with death seems to become more critical in the mind and heart of the Church in a week such as this.

But what of the people groups affected by the December 26 earthquake and killer waves? Looking at "yesterday's" news (news from the past year or two) we can see that many people in quake- and tsunami-affected regions were in dire need years before the Indian Ocean pulled back from the shore.

Aceh (pronounced ah CHAY):

  • The Australian: Jakarta rules Aceh off limits [November 15, 2004]: "About 2300 suspected rebels and civilians have been killed in Aceh since Jakarta launched a military crackdown to crush the separatists in May last year, following the collapse of peace talks in Tokyo. The oil and gas-rich province is now operating under civil emergency status, yet thousands of Indonesian troops remain stationed there."

  • Indonesia badmouths international community over Aceh [June 30, 2003]: "On May 19 [2003], Aceh's fragile peace process collapsed, and the Indonesian government declared a state of emergency in the rebellious province.

    "Little over a month later, military operations have resulted in hundreds of deaths, hundreds of arrests, intimidation of government critics, controls on the press, and restrictions on access."

  • VIEWPOINT: Aceh's war centres on resources [July 23, 2003]: "While world attention is focused on the postwar chaos in Iraq, Indonesia has launched an invasion of resource-rich Aceh (pronounced ah CHAY), in the country's biggest military assault since the 1975 invasion of East Timor."

Sri Lanka:

  • CRISIS PROFILE: Sri Lanka grapples with peace process [October 27, 2004]: "Despite a two-year ceasefire, violence and suffering are still a fact of life for many in Sri Lanka. Some 64,000 have died in 20 years of bitter civil war. An uneasy standoff between the government and Tamil Tiger rebels has left the country deeply fractured and the after effects of the war linger.

    "Hundreds of thousands of refugees are unable to return to their homes. Millions of landmines and explosive debris have left large areas of land uninhabitable. Malnutrition is widespread among children in conflict-stricken areas, while boys and girls under 15 continue to be abducted and trained for war.

    "Routine killings and suicide bombings are no longer an everyday occurrence, but they’re still a part of life for many. Nobody wants a return to all out war, but with deep divisions on both sides, a permanent peace seems a long way away."

  • Fact Sheet on Child Soldiers in Sri Lanka [2004]: " The LTTE has used children as soldiers throughout the conflict. In the 1990’s some studies found that 40-60% of LTTE soldiers killed in battle were children under the age of eighteen. Children have also been used as suicide bombers. ...Children are typically 14 or 15 years old when they are recruited, though some are as young as 11. Over 40% of the LTTE's child soldiers are girls."

Please get informed, pray, give, and get going in whatever way you can.

Posted by Amber at 02:07 PM

December 29, 2004

Virtual prayer room created for Asian tsunami crisis

How should we pray for those deeply affected by the Asian tsunami crisis? Head over to Messy Christian's post, Virtual prayer room: Asian tsunami crisis and post your prayers, pictures, or what you think we should pray about. (A wonderful idea for lifting up prayers with one voice and in agreement with on another.)

Posted by Amber at 09:08 AM

December 22, 2004

Of note: symphony commissioned to honor 1945 Nagasaki victims

Excerpt from the Oregonian's Kyr will write a symphony honoring Nagasaki victims:

The symphony is entitled "Ah Nagasaki: Ashes Into Light" and will present four vocal soloists, a chorus that includes children and full orchestra. The work, Kyr's 10th symphony, incorporates Western music, Japanese taiko drumming, and Noh chanting to depict the devastation and to offer a prayer for peace. A brief section of the work will be performed on the 60th anniversary next August. The full work will debut in two years' time, Kyr said.

The text of the symphony is a collaboration between Kyr and Tanahashi, and is written in both English and Japanese. "The entire project is intercultural," Kyr said.

Full article here: Oregonlive.com | Kyr will write a symphony honoring Nagasaki victims

Posted by Amber at 01:33 PM

December 15, 2004

Indigenous politics and Britain

On the subject of the rights of indigenous people groups...

Guardian Unlimited Politics | Special Reports | Quest for Inuit collective land rights


Posted by Amber at 04:22 PM

November 29, 2004

U.S. Landmine Policy

In my LLL post, there were a couple of references to landmine policies and their impact on human beings around the world. I was channel surfing last night and heard a 10 second blurb on the West Wing that happened to be about the U.S.'s policy on landmines and the caveats created by the situation in the DMZ (demilitarized zone on the border of N. and S. Korea). So I thought I'd google U.S landmine policy and korea to see what I could learn.

Top two hits:
U.S. Landmine Policy— U.S. Department of State. This is a relatively new Bush policy dated February 2004

New U.S. Landmine Policy: Questions and Answers— Human Rights Watch. A sort of FAQ on the February '04 policy

It's not a clear cut issue by any means.

Posted by Amber at 11:45 AM

November 28, 2004

Laundry List of Links (LLL)

Tonight's LLL is brought to you by one very good night's sleep, a mid-afternoon nap, and three cups of coffee.

Thought I'd take a moment to post some of the more interesting links I've learned about from various e-mail newsletters I receive on a regular basis...

First up is Goshen College's Advent Devotions. On a technical note, I noticed they're using blosxom to power their content. Kudos to them. I've installed blosxom and played a little bit with it, but I'd really like to look into again for powering "sideblog" type content. It's a very lightweight weblog application and has a very simple interface. But I digress... here's the welcome message to Goshen's Advent devotions:

Goshen College Advent Devotions

Next on the list is last in National Catholic Reporter's Global Perspective Journey's in Theology: Women's Stories. To quote Gemma Tulud Cruz, the author of the article, Faith seeking empowering understanding:

Theology lies not only in the carefully worded propositions of erudite theologians but also in the songs, poems, stories, testimonies and reflections on the day to day struggle of ordinary people by ordinary people themselves. Much of the Filipino contextual theology called "theology of struggle", for instance, is expressed and embedded in these forms.

The diverse, complex, and immense problems we face today impel us to expand our theological imaginations. A theology that inspires hope must learn to speak not just about the metaphysics but the aesthetics of existence. Just as Jesus' story ends not with his death but with his resurrection, theology must insist that the Christian's final experience in God's great economy of salvation is love and life not suffering and death.

Also from Global Perspective, Indian minorities are again anxious, which discusses the anxiety of religious minorities (Christian, Muslim, Buddhist) in India over the BJP's recent change in party leadership and in their public rhetoric, a reiteration of fundamentalist, anti-minority, Hindutva idealogy.

From Human Rights Watch:

From Reuter's AlertNet:

Haven't read all of these, but I'm posting them here as a reminder.

Happy reading.

Posted by Amber at 11:45 PM

November 01, 2004

Africa's Challenge: Moving from "Free Schooling" to "An Education"

This story describes the effect of a new policy which makes primary school free in Kenya (and soon in other sub-Saharan countries). Previously a World Bank loan condition required fees of $16/year, beyond the reach of literally millions of poor families. Now enrollment swells and in some places teacher to student ratios are 111:1.

In Africa, Free Schools Feed a Different Hunger (NY Times)

Hat tip: ERR 11/01/04 (Dean Baker)

Posted by Amber at 01:05 PM

October 26, 2004

HRW's End Caste Discrimination Resources out of date?

I found a collection of resources on caste discrimination on Human Rights Watch's site:

HRW: Campaign Against Caste Discrimination

It looks like it's been a few, if not several years since this information has been updated. I wonder if they would be open to partnering with some friends I know who are well aware of the current situation regarding caste-based discrimination and in particular discrimination against Dalits in India. I also wonder if my friends would be willing to partner with them. This would be a partnership probably limited to the exchange of current and pertinent information and stories about the situation, but a partnership nonetheless.

Another idea and perhaps a more feasible one is to add the kind of resources that HRW provides to a site or section of a site devoted to this area of the world. The type of resources provided could be background information, reports from conferences or symposiums, photo galleries, links to endorsed campaigns, and suggestions to readers for getting involved (donations, letter writing, etc.)

Just a thought.

Posted by Amber at 01:32 PM |